NEWSLETTER 10th July 2012

Tel: 0116 272 0401 email: office@woodlandgrange.leics.sch.uk www.woodlandwideweb.org.uk

I would like to give a very heart-felt thank you to all the staff, volunteers and governors who have worked so hard this year to give your children the very best education possible. The degree of dedication from the Woodland Grange team is something quite exceptional! I would especially like to wish our Year 5 leavers and the families who no longer have children with us, all the very best for the future. It has been a privilege working with you.

Class Organisation for Next Year

Following consultation with all teachers and governors we have made a decision as to the structure of classes for the next academic year. I list below, the teachers and the Year groups they are working in: FS Mrs Smith, FS Leader FS Miss Greig FS Mrs Barratt (Mrs Smeeton on Friday) Yr1 Mr Parker, Deputy Head (Mrs Masters on Tuesday) Yr1 Mrs Moore, SENCo Yr2 Mrs Henton, KS 1 Leader Yr2 Miss Chadwick, SENCo (Mrs Smeeton on Thursday) Yr3 Mr Smith, KS 2 Leader Yr3 Mrs Mankoo Yr4 Mrs Fletcher Yr4 Miss Wright Yr4 Mrs Hajat (3 days) / Mrs Masters (Thurs & Friday) Yr5 Mrs Wood Yr5 Miss Bedding As can be seen from the above class list, our current Year 4 pupils will, next year go into two Year 5 classes, allowing our current Year 3 children to be divided into three classes as they become Year 4s. I recognise that this creates two large Year 5 classes (34 in one class, 35 in the other = 69 children in total) but with the current Year 3 cohort being 70 in total (with usually more children joining this Year group mid-year) this is the very best organisation for next year. Apart from just the number of current pupils, we should recognise that the current Year 4 children have had the benefit of being in very small classes for the last four years and it seems fair that our Year 3 pupils now have this opportunity. In recognition of the large class sizes in Year 5 next year I have ensured that the year group has virtually full-time TA support from two highly experienced staff members, who are likely, at times, to withdraw different groups (with first call of the pre/ after care building next door) for teaching small groups, therefore reducing overall teaching group size. Please also recognise that we do not have a spare classroom to establish a further class so cannot have two year groups with three classes in them!

Have a great

Summer!

Mr Hayles

Work being completed over the Summer

To keep us at the forefront of all things technical, we will be upgrading our computer suite. This will include 25 new PCs as well as a new Server and improved wireless capability across the school. A store room converted into a role-play area for the Foundation Stage pupils in Mrs Smiths class. The Hall and Mrs Hentons classroom decorated. A cycle shelter & scooter racks to be installed (more details to follow regarding usage)

Is your child in Year 3, 4 or 5 next year?

Children in these year groups will need a pencil case with a full set of items including: pencils, sharpener, rubber, protractor and glue stick (Pritt Sticks are best). Gel pens and felt-tips are not needed as these are all provided.

Mr Arnold is Leaving Us
We would like to thank Mr Arnold for his dedication and hard work over the time he has been with us and wish him well in his exciting new position A message from Mr Arnold... I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents, volunteers and staff for their support during my time at Woodland Grange. Moving on is a big step and many now know I wont be taking a big step but a giant leap. This Summer I will be upping sticks and moving out to China to take up a teaching position at Yew Chung International School of Shanghai. This is an exciting new direction for me and will enhance my understanding of education on an international level. I wish everybody all the best and thank you for your best wishes.

Uniform and Uniform Footwear

Thank you to all our parents who support our uniform standards. I have had a few parents asking for re-confirmation as to what our uniform expectations are, especially in relation to footwear. I think some pupils are telling their parents that they ARE allowed to wear certain items when they are not! To clarify: Green Woodland Grange sweatshirt or cardigan White shirt/blouse, long or short sleeved or white polo shirt Grey trousers (long or short) / grey skirt Summer green & white gingham dress Black shoes (white summer sandals for girls are also acceptable but should be firmly attached to the foot) Black plimsolls for indoor wear Grey tights P.E. Kit - black tracksuit bottoms, black shorts, house t-shirt & sweatshirt, trainers for outdoor wear Book bags: Red for FS & KS 1, Green for KS2 (If in doubt look at the photos in our FS Welcome book, available in the Our Foundation section of the website (left hand menu of home page)). Children should be wearing black shoes to school. We will also accept black trainers (but ones without logos - no coloured flashes, stripes etc). This is exactly the same policy as adopted by Manor High School. Children who play football at lunchtime may change into their P.E. trainers for this time but should not wear them to or from school. Coloured tights (other than grey) and leggings, should not be worn. The Governors and I are keen that uniform standards are of the highest order; this will be closely monitored next year. NOTE: Children moving into Year 3 will now need a green book bag

FoWG News
What a fantastic Fun Day ! Despite the lack of sun we had more people through the gate than ever before! As a result of the hard work of the Friends of Woodland Grange and all the other volunteers and staff members, over 3000 was raised. We would like to voice our sincere appreciation to Sarah, the Chair of the FoWG who will be ending her association with the school this year. She has done an amazing job for us and over this and all the other years that she has been so actively involved with the school.

Many thanks to Poppys family for the truly HUGE quantity of paper, card etc. It will keep our stock levels high for months to come! Thank you to the Kotecha family for the enormous quantity and range of prizes donated for use at the Fun Day. All donations of stationery items are gratefully received - please let us know if your business has any left over items that we could use.
Thank you to all the parents who supported our Jubilee and Olympic celebrations. Thank you as well to the parents who took part in our parent races during the Sports Days - you were great fun and there wasnt too much cheating this year!! Please look at the Event Gallery (left hand menu) on our home page for photographs.

Glen Villa Juniors Football Club

New under 7s football team - playing regular organised league matches from September - looking for players aged 5 or 6 now, to train/play friendly matches Glen Villa Juniors are looking for children aged either 5 or 6 who would like to have a go at playing football. The team is coached by a level 2 FA coach, who is fully insured and CRB checked. Coaching sessions take place on Saturday mornings between 12.45pm and 1.45pm, at Great Glen Recreation Ground, Bindleys Lane, Great Glen. The sessions cost 2, on a pay when you play basis. On Saturday mornings the children will start to learn basic football skills, while doing fun football drills. All sessions will finish with a mini match, and ensuring the children have a safe, fun and enjoyable session is the main aim. Come and join the fun, boys and girls welcome. For more information contact Dave Ball on: (m) 078765 00178 (H) 0116 2592570 (email) daveball25@tiscali.co.uk www.glensports.com OR just turn up on the day !!

Term dates for the next 3 years can be found on our school website under the Our Office section 2012/13 Academic Year
AUTUMN TERM School opens Thursday 30th August 2012 Mid Term Break Monday 22nd to Friday 26th October 2012 School closes Friday evening 21st December 2012 SPRING TERM School opens Tuesday 8th January 2013 Mid Term Break Monday 11th to Friday 15th February 2013 School closes Friday evening 22nd March 2013 SUMMER TERM School opens Monday morning 8th April 2013 May Day Monday 6th May 2013 Mid Term Break Monday 27th May to Friday 31st May 2013 School closes Friday evening 12th July 2013